Csd data transfer beeline. CSD from MTS: data transmission "by voice

Hello!
With this publication, we begin a series of articles about devices and technologies involved in the process of energy metering and energy saving. In such articles, we will rely only on our own experience and the experience transmitted to us by users of the Eldis electronic dispatcher.

Let's start slowly.

Today we have a generalized topic on the menu about CSD technology and modems using this data transfer technology. We decided not to look for differences in two identical pictures, but to analyze CSD modems as such, without getting personal.

Surprisingly, but the CSD modem, when communicating with its fellow modems, uses an information transfer technology called CSD.

CSD (Circuit Switched Data) is a digital data transmission technology in GSM networks. The same network that each of us uses several times a day, or even spends the main part of the weekday in it. I say hello to the technical support department =)

The CSD coverage area corresponds to the GSM coverage area, which is due to the use of a voice channel for information transmission. Today, this is the main advantage and disadvantage of this technology. But first things first.

At the birth of CSD, the benefits were not limited to this, due to the lack of alternatives. The information transfer rate over CSD is 9.6 Kbps, while the bandwidth of modern 4G is 1 Gbps (kilobit - 10 to the 3rd power, gigabit - 10 to the 9th power). The technology involves the simultaneous communication between two devices, by analogy with talking on a mobile phone or how a fax works.

CSD works in GSM networks, which implies that for such a service, if we suddenly need it, we need to contact the operators mobile communications. Yes, yes, these are the same guys who sell SIM cards for phones, and then offer new tariffs every month. Let's find out what they offer us today.

CSD traffic for mobile operators was of value until every person had a mobile phone, and the price of communication fell to a minimum, due to high competition between operators.

Why has the growth of mobile phone users begun to kill interest in CSD?

The fact is that when transferring data from one device to another, CSD occupies a voice communication channel that can be used for its intended purpose and at a higher price.

Also, as a standard for information transmission in the arsenal of operators, there is an alternative with a higher bandwidth and not loading voice channels: GPRS, 2G, 3G, 4G.

In this regard, mobile operators are constantly increasing tariffs for CSD and, as far as possible, obsolete it.

Today, the CSD service in most cases exceeds the price even for a faster and more modern GPRS and is present only in specialized tariffs that include CSD packages for several thousand minutes that operate within one region and one operator cellular communication.

Thus, cellular operators act as a catalyst in the process of destroying CSD technology.

Letter to JSC "Eldis" from JSC "MegaFon"

Retirement from CSD will not go unnoticed, and no, the retirement of this technology will not be accompanied by a lavish celebration with tea and cookies, on the contrary, it will be painful for the most part. This technology has been successfully implemented and is used to transmit readings from various electronic devices installed in hard-to-reach places.

Let's move on to our favorite topic.

After the release of Federal Law 261, which obliged the installation of metering devices in each apartment building, the task of promptly collecting readings from all installed computers became acute.

Without constant monitoring of energy metering units, there can be no question of any energy efficiency, and putting a person for observation on each computer is a very expensive pleasure.

Then CSD modems came to the rescue, attracting with their low cost (about 4 thousand rubles) and prevalence. most standard software, which is included in the set of modern calculators, supports work on CSD, for example: VKT-7 Easy2, Prologue, ArchiVist, Rise of the joint venture, TesmaStat, StatReport and others.

With the advent of universal programs for remote collection of readings from metering devices through various data collection and transmission devices (modems), CSD modems have another indisputable advantage - the ability to simultaneously work in several energy metering systems at once.

Thus, when working in one or another system for collecting readings from metering devices of the Eldis type, the owners of CSD modems do not take any risks and at any time can transfer their metering units to another similar system, unlike GPRS modems.

Sadly, not only CSD technology, but also modems operating on it, are at risk of disappearing from the shelves.

Recently, most manufacturers of radio components have begun to produce budget versions of SIM modules that do not have the function of working in CSD mode. A prime example can serve as an upgrade of the SimCOM Sim900 line to Sim800. Now only one module from the entire 800s line has CSD mode. There is a suspicion that the next series of modules will be completely without CSD.

In total, the following can be distinguished as minuses of CSD modems:

slow information transfer rate;
the speed of polling calculators directly depends on the number of polling modems installed on the server, due to the impossibility of parallel communication of one CSD modem with several;
high price of traffic. About 1.25 rubles per minute, for the same money you can transfer 1 mb of information via GPRS (for text information, this is really a lot. For comparison: the entire work of L.N. Tolstoy “War and Peace” takes less than 4 mb.);
obligatory setting of the modem to work with the calculator is carried out using a computer via the RS-232 interface, which is not available on modern PCs and laptops;
the presence of only one data transfer interface or RS-232 or RS-485;
inability to remotely configure and update software;
threat of withdrawal from production;
the threat of eradication of CSD support by cellular operators;
the modem is disconnected from the dispatching system by default, it is connected only for the period of data transfer and cannot always be online.

Despite all the shortcomings and antiquity of CSD technology, there are not enough fingers of both hands to count the manufacturers of CSD modems. Until the technology has become obsolete and has not been completely replaced by mobile operators, there is a good demand for it. The device is not difficult to manufacture and has a wide range of applications.

Basically, competitive modems do not differ much from each other. Most often, the main hallmark is a case and a logo on it, less often a sim module. If we talk about the market leaders in terms of prevalence, we can distinguish: iRZ, Teleofis and Siemens.

Let's summarize.

Modems based on CSD technology, despite their wide popularity, are on the verge of extinction due to the threat of discontinuation of components for them. Also, over time, the likelihood of mobile operators refusing to sell CSD services increases, as well as a constant increase in prices for CSD traffic.

The cost of CSD-modems by leaps and bounds is approaching the cost of modern modems that support GPRS operation. Affects both the rise in price of the first, and the cheapening of the second.

When choosing a data transmission device for installation at a dispatching facility, we recommend paying attention to a CSD modem only if there is no alternative connection at the facility, otherwise it is better to pay extra and purchase a modern GPRS device or take a universal option - GPRS/CSD.

Note!
Not all modems whose specifications indicate operation via GPRS can independently communicate via GPRS, limited to the good old CSD.

This is often a clever marketing ploy by manufacturers that allows misleading consumers and selling a CSD modem at the price of GPRS.

The trick is that the modem, without the help of additional equipment, be it a calculator or a computer that will send specialized AT commands to it, is not able to initialize the GPRS connection. Heat calculators capable of sending such commands to the modem and making it work via GPRS are, for example, SPT943 and TMK-N120.

Let's return to the problem with GPRS coverage.

Cases of the absence of a GPRS signal in the CSD coverage area are not a myth, and have happened more than once in our practice: in the Tver region (Ostashkov), in some cities of the Pskov region and even in the Krasnogorsk district of the Moscow region.

Based on the statistics obtained in the process of surveying clients of the Eldis electronic dispatcher, modems operating only on CSD technology are currently installed in approximately 75% of objects in relation to the total number equipped with transmitting devices. Complete failure mobile operators from the provision of data transmission services via CSD will entail huge costs for the re-equipment of dispatching facilities.

Every month, the number of CSD-modems connected to Eldis is significantly increasing, and with it, the monthly traffic for CSD-connection is also growing. The graph below shows statistics on the use of CSD traffic by all modems operating on this technology in the electronic dispatcher for the current year.

Dynamics of CSD traffic usage by Eldis users

With this article, we do not urgently call for removing old modems and buying new data transmission devices, but we warn of possible difficulties in the near future.

We accept requests for a review of devices from the list of supported equipment. We promise an objective assessment and adequate criticism of any device. In case we do not have enough materials to review the device you proposed, sorry, we will postpone it for later.

An important role and incentive for writing articles is played by the presence of comments.

Thank you for your attention! That's all for today.

(same as in computers), either built into the phone or attached to it. Due to audio quality limitations, these systems had a maximum data rate of 2.4 kbps. At the same time, the use of speech-oriented audio compression in GSM actually means that the data transfer rate using such a modem connected to the phone will be even lower than in traditional analog systems. With the advent of digital data communications in GSM, CSD has provided practical direct access to the digital signal, allowing higher speeds to be achieved.

The CSD call works very much like a regular voice call on GSM networks. A single time interval is allocated between the phone and the base station. A dedicated "sub-time slot" (16 kbit/s) is established between base station and transcoder, and, finally, another time slot (64 kbps) is allocated for data transmission between the transcoder and the switching center: Mobile Switching Center (MSC).

In MSC, it is possible to convert the signal to analog form and encode it using PCM. It is also possible to use digital signal according to the ISDN standard and transfer it to the remote access server.

Data transmission in the GSM network has been improved since the advent of CSD. As of 2006, many GSM operators provide CSD service. Because the maximum data rate for a single timeslot is 9.6 kbps, many operators allocate two or more timeslots for CSD calls.

Technology development

HSCSD (English) ) is a system based on the same principles as CSD, but designed to provide faster connectivity. Speed increased to 57.6 Kbps

ECSD - data transmission using EDGE technology over the CSD channel.

On the other hand, GPRS General Packet Radio Service) already provides packet data transfer directly from the mobile phone.
And, in fact, EDGE (eng. Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution] ) and UMTS (eng. Universal Mobile Telecommunications System ) provide access at much higher data rates, but are still compatible with the GSM standard.

Issue price

If we touched on the monetary issue, then we will consider it using the example of MTS tariffs. Basic rates for most tariff plans for calls of the "data" type are 2 rubles / min. The cost is relevant only on the territory of Russia and only for sending information to your native region. But there are exceptions.

Ordinary people

If we consider MTS tariffs from the standpoint of saving on your sensors, then we would advise, first of all, to take a closer look at the usual Red Energy ringer. But for guests of our country, as well as travelers within Russia, it is more profitable to connect your devices to the “Your Country” tariff and send data with double savings.

More details can be found in the table below.

In order to use CSD calls, you do not need to do anything - the service is included in the start list for any tariff.

For business people

As for representatives of business and government agencies, it is possible to optimize their budget through special CSD packages for any corporate tariff or immediately selected tariff plan for Telematics machines.

Machine communication packages

As in the mass market, the corporate offer from MTS in the form of data packages is valid in the region where the SIM card is connected and throughout Russia, and you can send a “package” only “home”.

You set the amount of a fixed monthly payment yourself: from 12 to 10,000 rubles. The number of minutes is from 10 to 50,000. According to the laws of the market, the larger the purchase volume, the lower the price per unit. So you can, with respect to the base price of 2 rubles, save from 80 kopecks. up to 1.80 rubles in a minute. At the same time, with a maximum volume of 50,000 minutes, the benefit will be quite a bit - 90,000 rubles.

It all depends on how much information you plan to transfer. Well, if you already know the source data, if not, then we advise you to start with small packages. You can find more details on prices on the official website of the operator at https://moskva.mts.ru/business/internet-veshhey-iotm2m/paketi-csd-trafika.

You can add a package to a valid SIM card either through Personal Area login.mts.ru or when contacting the operator's office. Keep in mind that you will have to pay for the service immediately a month in advance. And on the same date of the next one, the money will be written off for any balance, even negative.

Unfortunately, you can't link packages, so choose only one. It will not be profitable to change your decision: the new option will automatically delete the old one, and the unused minutes will burn out.

M2M tariff

For SIM-cards that are used exclusively in data transfer devices, it is better to choose the appropriate tariff right away - Telematics. The standard CSD price here is 1.35 rubles/min. But the packages and call directions are similar to the previous service.

The advantage of the tariff is that all other calls are prohibited here, which will additionally protect you from unauthorized use of the number by employees or other persons. Protection is provided by the free Call Barring except CSD service, which is included in the starter kit.

You can also cancel its action - just add the "Access to voice communication" option in your personal account or through an operator's employee. By the way, along with it you will also receive preferential prices for sending data to 3 “favorite CSD numbers”. In this case, phones can be absolutely any.

Also, when calculating efficiency, keep in mind that such calls are paid from the first second, and rounding is not per minute, as with regular calls, but per second. The exception here is trips around our country - bills are issued rounded to the nearest minute.

In conclusion, we note that for a small number of numbers in sensors and other devices, it is more convenient and cheaper to take a regular set with the Red Energy tariff, but for large volumes, try to form a corporation and choose one of the options for business.

CSD (Circuit Switched Data) is a data transfer technology developed for GSM mobile phones. The CSD uses one time slot to transmit data at 9.6 kbps to the Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS), where it can be transferred via the equivalent of a normal modem connection to the telephone network.

As of 2006, many GSM operators provide CSD service. Because the maximum data rate for a single timeslot is 9.6 kbps, many operators allocate two or more timeslots for CSD calls.

Before the advent of CSD, data transfer to mobile phones carried out through the use of a modem, either built into the telephone or attached to it. Due to limitations in the quality of the audio signal, such systems had a maximum data rate of 2.4 kbps. With the advent of digital data communications in GSM, CSD has provided practical direct access to the digital signal, allowing higher speeds to be achieved. At the same time, the use of speech-oriented audio compression in GSM actually means that the data transfer rate using a conventional modem connected to a telephone will be even lower than in traditional analog systems.

The CSD call works very much like a regular voice call on GSM networks. A single time interval is allocated between the phone and the base station. A dedicated "sub-time slot" (16 kbps) is established between the base station and the transcoder, and finally another time slot (64 kbps) is allocated for data transmission between the transcoder and the switching center: the Mobile Switching Center (MSC).

In MSC, it is possible to convert the signal to analog form and encode it using PCM. It is also possible to use a digital signal according to the ISDN standard and transfer it to a remote access server.

How to connect the service and get access?

If you do not have an agreement for communication services with PJSC MegaFon, you need to contact the Corporate Client Service Center, conclude an agreement and write an application for connecting the M2M-Monitoring service. If you are already a corporate client, you can independently activate the service through the "Personal Account" or submit a written application in the form established by the Operator.

How to log in via API?

URL: https://m2m.megafon.ru:3333
Request format: https://m2m.megafon.ru:3333/openapi/v1/tokens-stub/get?login=M2M_xxxxxxxxxx&password=xxxxxxxx

How to enter the service interface?

Follow the link "Personal account of the service" at the top of the screen. On the authorization page, you must enter the login and password received by SMS to the subscriber number of the service user, as well as the symbols located in the picture. The user has four attempts to enter an incorrect password to access the service interface. After the fifth input of an incorrect password, access to this login is blocked. The user has the opportunity to receive a new password through the service interface, or by contacting the corporate client center.

How is the Subscription fee calculated?

When connecting the M2M-Monitoring service, all corporate clients are provided with a trial period of 7 calendar days, during which subscription fee not charged.

In the first month, the subscription fee is debited from the Personal Account of the Corporate Client on the first day of paid use of the service based on the number of SIM cards with the service activated in proportion to the number of days remaining until the end of the month. Further, the subscription fee is deducted in full on the first day of each month.

For which companies is this service intended?

"M2M-Monitoring" will be useful to all companies using SIM-cards in devices and equipment. The service can be useful for companies working in the field of vehicle monitoring, banks and trade enterprises, car manufacturers, companies from the energy sector and housing and communal services, fuel and energy companies, as well as companies specializing in security services, security, logistics companies, manufacturers consumer electronics and system integrators.

Can I connect M2M-Monitoring on my own?

If your company is a corporate client of PJSC MegaFon, then you can independently connect M2M-Monitoring through your personal account of the Corporate Portal. To do this, you need to call SIM-card numbers with any corporate tariff plan to plug:

"M2M-Monitoring" for loading the required SIM-card onto the platform of the M2M-Monitoring Service and the possibility of managing it through the Service Interface;
M2M Portal User — a setting that allows you to identify the user of the Service and provide access to manage SIM cards through the Service Interface;

M2M-Portal Administrator — a setting that allows you to identify the administrator of the Service and grant access to managing SIM cards through the Service Interface.

The login and password for accessing the interface of the M2M-Monitoring service will be sent in an SMS message to the number of the employee who is connected to the "M2M-portal User" or "M2M-portal Administrator".

What notification capabilities does the service have?

You can set up notifications for various events, for example, for changing the device in which the SIM card is installed, for reaching the limits of data transfer, SMS, voice communication services, etc. You can also control the sending of notifications and configure sending settings: address Email, phone numbers to receive SMS notifications.

What messages can I send using the service?

You can send messages to selected numbers with activated "M2M-Monitoring" service to determine the activity of the SIM card in the network. You can also send messages to the numbers of mobile operators of the Russian Federation, entered in the "Contacts" section in the service interface.

Csd data transfer beeline. CSD from MTS: data transmission "by voice

Technology development

see also

See what "Circuit Switched Data" is in other dictionaries: